Trump to speak after being convicted in hush money trial

Former President Donald Trump is set to address the media at Trump Tower in New York on Friday morning following his conviction on 34 felony counts. The case revolved around a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

After two days of deliberation, a jury of 12 New Yorkers reached a verdict, determining that Trump had illegally falsified business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to Daniels just before the 2016 election. The purpose of the payment was to silence her regarding a sexual encounter she claimed to have had with him. Trump, the presumed Republican presidential nominee, has consistently denied the allegations made by Daniels.

This landmark ruling makes Trump the first former president in United States history to be convicted of a crime. His sentencing is slated for July 11, a mere four days prior to the Republican National Convention, where he is anticipated to officially secure the party’s nomination.

Following the announcement of the verdict, Trump decried it as a “disgrace” and vehemently asserted his innocence. “The real verdict will come on November 5, decided by the people. They understand the truth of what transpired here,” Trump asserted to reporters.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Trump had manipulated business records “in order to conceal a scheme to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.” He expressed gratitude towards the jury for their diligent service. “Despite various opinions, the only opinion that holds weight is that of the jury, and their decision has been made,” Bragg conveyed during a news briefing post-verdict.